Obituaries, May 27, 2008

Robert George

Homstead

Robert George Homstead, formerly of Oberlin, was surrounded by his family at Green Hills Nursing Center in West Liberty, Ohio, when he died on Monday, May 12, 2008. He was 69.

Born Jan. 18, 1939, in Middletown, Conn., he moved with his family in 1948 to Oberlin, where he graduated from Oberlin High School. He attended Muskingum College.

He worked 14 years in the restaurant business, then joined New York Life Insurance Co. as an underwriter, earning numerous awards as top salesman and the CLU and CHFC designations. In 1986 he relocated to Columbus, where he joined Nationwide Financial Services as an investment advisor, retiring in 2004.

He enjoyed bicycle trips with his family and friends, including the Tour of the Swan River Valley from 1987 to 1993, and the Red Flannel from 1983 to 1994. He rode with his nephew, Kris Koepp, to Surry, Maine, in 1991 in memory of his parents.

He also enjoyed fly fishing, especially on the Mad River and Muzzy Lake.

Mr. Homstead is survived by his wife, Carolynn; sons Steve Homstead and Scott Homstead; daughters Laurie Homstead, Amy Rubin, Carrie Holland, Kristine Kluge, and Marie Reffke; stepsons David Sonner and Matt Sonner, 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother, Allan Homstead; and sister, Jan Koepp. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Beatrice (nee Thompson) Homstead; and stepson, Clinton Sonner.

Services were Friday at Cowling Funeral Home. Burial was at Westwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 20525 Center Ridge Rd., Cleveland, 44116. Online condolences may be made to www.cowlingfuneralhome.com.

Charles Robin

Brown

Charles Robin Brown of Oberlin died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 51.

He was born Jan. 21, 1957, in Chillicothe, Ohio. He worked laying asphalt for Hart Asphalt in Oberlin and Shelly's Co. for 30 years.

He was a member of Christian Missionary Alliance in Oberlin. He was also a member of a band called Universe, for which he played guitar.

He enjoyed fishing, playing his guitar, and watching his grandchildren playing in their sporting events.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Tamara; daughters Cinqua Thomas of Oberlin, Lashanda Potts of Detroit, Mich., and Nakisha Dorsey of Flint, Mich.; nine grandchildren; brothers Roland Brown of Elyria and Timothy Brown of Mississippi; and sisters Patrice Brown of Elyria and LeAnn Brown of Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dolores (nee Phillips) Brown; brother, Jerry Brown; and sister, Rhonda Woffard.

Friends may visit on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at Cowling Funeral Home, 228 S. Main St., the Rev. Lester Allen III, pastor of Christian Missionary Alliance. Burial will be at Westwood Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.cowlingfuneralhome.com.